ABOUT ME:
I am an artist and "Mama" to an amazing kiddo.
I am never lacking for inspiration in this fascinating, funny, strange, and beautiful world, especially through the lens of autism (my son and I are both autistic).
I find great joy in working with the speed bumps (and occasional road blocks) presented by my body and the world around me. I found my art when my body decided that it wouldn't function behind a desk and on a more traditional schedule and my hands ached for more than a keyboard and the occasional pen and sticky note. That dramatic change opened some unexpected doors, and I walked through one of them and taught myself silversmithing and jewelry design, building on my love of film and photography and playing with light.
Please enjoy the magic & joy I have captured just for you.
ABOUT MY DESIGNS:
My work is a love letter to the jewels cherished by many of our mothers and grandmothers... It is a modern translation, incorporating vintage materials in modern settings for a look that’s all you.
Various forms of plastics (now considered vintage) were once used to replicate rare and exotic natural elements in costume jewelry.
Today, I use vintage plastics (typically Bakelite/Catalin and Lucite) and vintage (and occasionally antique) glass combined with sterling and fine silver settings to create heirloom pieces with a modern edge.
I am most drawn to designing pieces involving contrast- most of the pieces in my line combine a natural and a man-made material (silver and Lucite, example). I love playing with light, and framing it with dark. Many of my pieces with translucent components are created to reflect light in a playful and warm glow.
All settings are handmade from raw materials by me with the assistance of a saw, flame, and various other hand tools.
Please note: We only have one Earth. It's important to me to use primarily reclaimed/recycled raw sterling silver sources, vintage plastics and vintage glass, and other components from ethically aware suppliers, whenever possible. I proudly practice environmentally gentle techniques in my studio.
ABOUT THE NAME: CLEVERGIRL
I strive to be clever in all aspects of my life- whether with "around the house" problem solving or in my creations. The gears are always turning...
**All creations are made, stored, and packaged in a smoke-free, pet-free (due to our allergies) environment...**